God Intervenes to Preserve Marriage in Illinois

In a state where liberal Democrats have a stranglehold on government, and where most Republicans are liberal as well, a diverse Christian coalition convinced a majority of legislators to oppose a same-sex "marriage" bill, even though they easily passed a same-sex civil unions law just two years ago.

"Today our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has won!  Pastor James Meeks, Bishop Lance Davis and I are so proud of the God fearing Black Caucus [Illinois legislature] members who withstood the pressure of the LGBT forces and allowed God's word concerning marriage to remain between one man and one woman in Illinois."
-- Bishop Larry Trotter, co-chairman of the African American Clergy Coalition

For background, read Illinois Democrats Maneuver Lock on 'Gay Marriage'

For national background, read Obamanation: Gay Agenda Carries in 4 More States and also read 'Gay Marriage' Sweeps New England. D'ya Notice? as well as Media Say Law Forces Christians into Gay Agenda

In addition, read about the Colorado baker and myriad other Christians sued in states with same-sex unions/marriage laws.



-- From "House adjourns without voting on same-sex marriage bill" by Lauren Leone-Cross, The State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL) 5/31/13

The Illinois House adjourned Friday without voting on same-sex marriage legislation, meaning gay and lesbian couples in Illinois anxious to tie the knot will have to keep waiting.

Supporters had all the reason to be optimistic back when the historic measure passed out of the Senate 34-21 on Valentine’s Day. Since then, however, the bill remained stalled in the House . . .

The upset for gay-marriage supporters comes just two years after lawmakers narrowly approved civil unions in 2011, giving same-sex couples state-level legal recognition and health care benefits similar to those of married couples.

While civil unions give couples some benefits, such as automatic hospital visits, and adoption and parental rights, gay and lesbian couples have argued they remain second-class citizens in the eyes of the state without the right to marry.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.



From "House declines same-sex marriage vote" by Mike Riopell and Doug T. Graham, Daily Herald (suburban Chicago) 5/31/13

. . . emotion displayed itself on the House floor via a tearful speech by the legislation's sponosor, [proudly homosexual] Democratic Rep. Greg Harris [Chicago], and loud yells from onlookers.

Harris announced he'd put off a vote until November. He said lawmakers appear to be more likely to sign off then.

Both Republicans who have said they'll support it — state Reps. Ed Sullivan of Mundelein and Ron Sandack of Downers Grove — have faced immense pressure from religious groups after they went public with their opinions.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "No same-sex marriage vote until November: ‘I’ve never been sadder,’ sponsor says" by Dave Mckinney and Natasha Korecki, staff reporters, Chicago Sun-Times 5/31/13

Stubborn resistance within the House Black Caucus, a 20-member bloc of African-American lawmakers who have faced a withering lobbying blitz against the plan from black ministers, has helped keep Harris’ legislation in check, with several House members still undecided.

“The sense I have is blacks are tired of being lobbied or targeted. They’ve kind of turned back on some of the advocates and lobbyists and are asking, ‘Why don’t you get some Republicans?’” one high-level Democratic insider said Friday.

Two House Republicans have publicly endorsed the legislation, Rep. Ed Sullivan (R-Antioch) and Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove). A likely third GOP supporter, Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Westchester), switched to a no as he contemplated a possible run for House Republican leader.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Gay marriage bill fails to go to vote in Illinois House" by Monique Garcia, Rex W. Huppke and Cynthia Dizikes, Chicago Tribune reporters 6/1/13

Illinois had appeared poised to become the 13th state to approve same-sex marriage. Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn promised to sign the bill. Democrats held veto-proof majorities in the House and Senate. President Barack Obama called for its passage during a Thursday night fundraiser in his home city, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was a major backer as well.

While advocates have brought forth a lengthy lineup of religious [leftist] leaders who endorse gay marriage, Catholics and conservative African-American church groups have provided fierce opposition. They argue that same-sex marriage violates the basic tenets of the Bible, which call for marriage to be only between a man and a woman.

"This was a recipe for disaster from the beginning, because when Rep. Harris introduced the bill, there were no African-American or Latino co-sponsors on it," said Rick Garcia, political director of the Civil Rights Agenda. "And the problem we have now was among the black caucus."

But Democratic Rep. Ken Dunkin, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, said the blame shouldn't fall on a bloc of 20 legislators, arguing that more support must come from Downstate, rural and suburban lawmakers.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ill. House adjourns without vote on gay marriage" by The Associated Press 5/31/13

[President] Obama exhorted legislators to approve the measure at a fundraising event Wednesday [in Chicago].

"Here in Illinois, we've got a vote on same-sex marriage that's going to be coming up in the state Legislature," Obama told the attendees. "And I just want to say for the record it's something that I deeply support."

Opponents of the legislation — which included some of the most powerful religious leaders in the state — have said the bill would force religious organizations to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their fellowship halls, parish centers and sanctuaries. The bill, however, states that churches are immune from being sued should they refuse to provide their religious facilities to celebrate a same-sex wedding. Yet, businesses, health care and educational facilities, and social service agencies are not exempt.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Homosexuals Sue Illinois Christians for not Celebrating Same-sex Union

Illinois' proud homosexual legislators Greg Harris and Deborah Mell lament defeat of the same-sex "marriage" bill on the House floor (video):